{"id":11201,"date":"2022-07-28T20:00:43","date_gmt":"2022-07-28T20:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thehuntindaddy.com\/?page_id=11201"},"modified":"2022-07-28T20:38:18","modified_gmt":"2022-07-28T20:38:18","slug":"table-mountain","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thehuntindaddy.com\/index.php\/peak-bagging\/table-mountain\/","title":{"rendered":"Table Mountain"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you think of the middle of nowhere, one place that comes to mind is Central Nevada. That\u2019s not a bad thing however, especially when visiting Table Mountain.<\/p>\n

At 10,888 feet, Table Mountain is high and long summit ridge on the eastern side of the Monitor Valley. Covered in aspens, wildflowers, flowing creeks, and abundant wildlife, the Table Mountain Wilderness<\/a> is a sight to see!<\/p>\n

Getting There<\/h4>\n

This is the hard part, well, more tedious than hard! The Table Mountain Wilderness lies between US-50 and US-6, the two loneliest highways in America.<\/p>\n

From the North, follow US-50 east past Austin and look for a wide gravel road to the south either labeled as NV-82 or Belmont Rd. This is a great dirt road that can be driven 45-60mph and receives regular maintenance.<\/p>\n

\"Table

Monitor Valley Rd.<\/p><\/div>\n

There are a couple turns to the left that bring you into the wilderness. The signs point to Morgan Creek TH. These roads are all good as well and none require high clearance to reach the start. It\u2019s about 52 miles of driving from US-50.<\/p>\n

\"Table

Parking area for Table Mountain.<\/p><\/div>\n

Another approach arrives from the south coming from Tonopah by heading up NV-82 to Belmont.<\/p>\n

The Trail<\/h4>\n

The terrain changes quickly on this hike. With an 8000-foot elevation trailhead, it starts in classic Nevada foliage. However, this changes quickly as you climb through lush aspens up the rim above 10,000 feet.<\/p>\n

\"Table

First part of hike climbs up to that rim.<\/p><\/div>\n

Following this route is easy. The trail is well maintained, although it\u2019s a steep grade.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Once the crest is achieved, wide open plateaus and multiple stands of aspens come into view. It\u2019s quite a beautiful area. There are game trails and faint use trails across the high plains as you gain the last 700-800 feet of elevation up to the highest ridge line. Views to the east open up and Mount Jefferson stares you down from the west.<\/p>\n

\"Table

Cresting the rim of the trail and viewing ahead to the upper ridge.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Mount

View across to Mount Jefferson.<\/p><\/div>\n

The Summit<\/h4>\n

As far as summits go, it\u2019s not the most defined. You are walking across slightly sloping terrain that extends for miles and miles. Every bump you see looks like it could be the high point. Eventually a large rock pile comes into view and it houses the register.<\/p>\n

\"Table

On the summit ridge.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Table

Summit cairn<\/p><\/div>\n

The summits views are beautiful and it\u2019s a pleasant area to hang out for awhile and look at obscure Nevada peaks that beckoning a visit. Mount Jefferson<\/a> towers across Monitor Valley to the west and Morey Peak looks super cool to the east.<\/p>\n

\"Morey

Morey Peak to the east.<\/p><\/div>\n

As a hunter, this terrain is just amazing. The aspen groves and open ridges screams elk country and while we did not see any, we saw plenty of elk sign.<\/p>\n

\"Table

View west from the ridge.<\/p><\/div>\n

The Final Word<\/h4>\n

If visiting the Table Mountain Wilderness is not on your radar, it should be! This is a beautiful and unspoiled area of the state. Outside of hunting season, I don\u2019t think this spot gets much visitation. Check out the geothermal wonder Diana\u2019s Punch Bowl along the way as well!<\/p>\n

\"Diana's

Diana’s Punch Bowl<\/p><\/div>\n

Getting here is the crux. Even though It\u2019s over 4 hours of driving from Reno and there is no cell service or help for many miles, it is worth it. You are on your own and need to be prepared for that.<\/p>\n